Vinyl passion hits record levels

Timothy Honiss, 12, fingers through records at Death Ray Records in Newtown. Timothy was one of the hordes of people who attended World Record Store Day on Saturday. PHOTO: NICHOLAS POINTON

Twelve-year-old old Timothy Honiss represents the next generation of record collectors.

One of the many crate diggers out in force during Saturday’s World Record Store Day, Timothy has been collecting records since he was eight years old.

It all began when he uncovered a forgotten turntable hidden in his family home.

“We used to have this radio that I was looking for; we thought it was in this box. When we pulled it out, it happened to be a record player. It had just a few records with it.

“Eventually, I started buying records and upgraded to a better system.”

Timothy said he has become drawn to the aura of vinyl and the unique listening experience it provides.

“Personally, I think [records] have a certain charm to them and they seem to make me feel happier when I listen to them.”

Timothy Honiss purchased a rare copy of The Door’s “L.A. Woman” at Death Ray Records on Saturday. PHOTO: NICHOLAS POINTON

Saturday was Honiss’ first time attending World Record Store Day. He dragged his father around the city, going from store to store, searching for rare finds. He managed to pick up a range of albums including classics from The Beatles, The Who and The Doors.

Timothy’s father Julian said he’s supportive of his son’s passion for vinyl.

“It’s not unhealthy; it’s better than doing drugs. It’s good. Timothy enjoys it. I knew he wanted to visit all the stores on World Record Store Day so I said ‘ok’.

“It’s his money he’s spending!”

World Record Store Day began in the United States in 2008. It was an initiative that saw independent record stores across the country come together and celebrate record buyers, sellers and independent musicians.

Since then, the World Record Store has become an event around the globe.

Death Ray Records owner Apa Hutt said it was “awesome” to have people as young as Timothy coming through his shop on Saturday.

“It’s everything; it’s the future. They’re the ones who are going to keep us and records alive. It’s really important, I dig it.”

Death Ray Records owner Apa Hutt (centre) says World Record Store Day has garnered a “cult” following. PHOTO: NICHOLAS POINTON

Hutt believes it is important for parents to keep bringing their kids to record shops and encouraging them to develop a passion for music. He loves what the day has become.

“It’s turned into a cult. It has turned into a day you just have to go to.”